Is My Neck Pain Just Anxiety, as the Doctor Claims?
**Health Background:** I am a 29-year-old female with a medical history that includes a concussion (4-5 years ago), whiplash (3-4 years ago), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and general anxiety. My current supplements consist of vitamin D, Restorlax, iron, and fluticasone nasal spray. Apart from that, I am generally well, with no recent injuries. **Recent Developments:** - Three weeks ago, I underwent a 15-minute trigger point massage targeting my glutes and quads to alleviate some low back pain. Almost immediately, I applied an essential oil blend to my neck with a roller, which was soothing (I used an extra strength formula). - About 15-20 minutes post-treatment, I experienced numbness in the tips of both middle fingers, which transitioned to tingling in both hands during a boxing workout (no bags involved). This sensation lasted nearly an hour before subsiding. - After the workout, I felt fine and practiced yoga and pilates over the weekend. However, the morning following the tingling incident, I did notice some mild neck discomfort. - On Monday, which was two days after the tingling event, I awoke with intense neck pain accompanied by a migraine. It was painful to look down, and the ache seemed to focus at the junction of my neck and skull. I worked as usual but found no relief with Advil. - Throughout the week, I slowly improved and visited a physiotherapist, who noted significant tightness and tension in the neck and back muscles, which I could certainly feel myself. - Things seemed to be getting better, but the next Monday brought back severe neck pain and another headache. I took time off work, continued physiotherapy, and had a massage, which contributed to some relief once again. - Two weeks post-tingling, I consulted my doctor. During the appointment, no physical examination of my neck was conducted, nor were any tests ordered due to the lack of a recent injury. I was informed that my muscle tightness stemmed from anxiety and stress, despite my report of reduced tension and absence of identifiable stressors. - Shortly after the two-week mark, I had to drive for two hours unexpectedly, and my neck pain flared up again. I resorted to taking excessive doses of Tylenol and Advil to cope, which left me feeling unwell. - As I reach the three-week mark, the pain has slightly eased, but some tension remains. I would rate my discomfort as a 2 on most days, down from more severe pain levels. **Additional Information:** - I have refrained from traditional exercise, sticking to just walking for the past three weeks. - I’ve been practicing the neck stretches recommended by my physiotherapist, though I'm uncertain about their effectiveness. - I recently tried acupuncture, but it seemed to exacerbate my symptoms instead. - The pain manifests as a dull ache located at the base of my skull and neck, with occasional numbness and burning sensations. Headaches occur during flare-ups of neck pain. - Returning to my doctor is not feasible as they are located in a different city, and I won’t be back until September. - Additionally, I cannot visit a walk-in clinic as per my doctor’s instructions, due to potential charges. **My Concerns:** - Should I be worried about this condition? - Would it be advisable to seek urgent care or visit the ER for imaging? I am feeling quite frustrated and just wish to feel like myself again.
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 2:50:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a complex situation involving neck pain and discomfort that has persisted over several weeks, with some concerning symptoms like tingling and numbness. Let’s break this down and address your concerns clearly.
Main Points:
- Your neck pain and symptoms might be related to muscle tension and stress but could also warrant further evaluation.
- Ongoing self-care measures can help ease your pain and discomfort.
- Monitor your symptoms closely and consider when to seek further help if they worsen.
Explanation:
Considering your medical history, the combination of previous injuries, neck pain, and neurological symptoms (like tingling) suggests that muscle tension could indeed be contributing to your discomfort, especially after back massages and physical activities. However, since you’ve experienced numbness and returning severe pain, it’s understandable to be concerned. It's good to note that the symptoms have shown some improvement, but persistent numbness and recurrent pain are essential to watch.
Muscle tightness can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety, as your doctor indicated. However, it's crucial to ensure other underlying conditions are not overlooked, especially when you experience nerve-related symptoms (e.g., numbness and tingling).
Next Steps:
-
Continue Gentle Self-Care:
- Maintain gentle neck stretches as recommended by your physiotherapist. If you feel uncertain about their effectiveness, focus on relaxing techniques like gentle yoga or tai chi, which can promote flexibility and relaxation.
- Consider using heat therapy (warm compresses or hot showers) to relax tight muscles.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a symptom diary detailing the intensity, location, and duration of your pain, along with any associated symptoms (like headaches or numbness). This can help you identify potential triggers and patterns over time.
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Modify Activities:
- Since driving flare-ups occurred, try to minimize strain on your neck during longer activities. Take frequent breaks if you need to drive again, allowing yourself to stretch or change positions.
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Further Assessment:
- If symptoms intensify or if you experience new symptoms like significant weakness, prolonged numbness, difficulty using your hands, or severe headaches that differ from your usual migraines, it may be essential to seek urgent care or even consider an emergency room, despite your concerns about cost. Imaging (like an MRI) could help rule out any significant structural issues.
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Alternative Therapies:
- Given that acupuncture seemed to exacerbate your symptoms, it may be best to pause on it for now. Instead, consider consulting with a different practitioner or exploring other modalities like physical therapy specialized in soft tissue work or craniosacral therapy if you feel comfortable.
Reassurance:
It’s understandable to feel frustrated with your current situation. Healing takes time, particularly with neck and back issues that may involve previous injuries. Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and seek help if you feel your symptoms are escalating. You're taking the right steps to manage your condition; continue to be gentle with yourself throughout this process. If you need more details or specific strategies, feel free to ask.
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